In this talk I expanded on the human needs of geospatial solutions - including user design, productivity and digital vs analog tools. Providing food for thought on the 'what', 'why' and 'how' of GIS and spatial problem-solving, this talk was delivered on 6 December 2019 at the University of Edinburgh's Institute of Geography as part of the EEO and AGI Scotland seminar series.
1. Designing a more
human-centric
approach for GI
Thierry Gregorius PhD FRGS
Principal Consultant
Exprodat Consulting / Getech Group
EEO-AGI Scotland, University of Edinburgh, 6 December 2019
Views expressed are entirely personal and do not necessarily reflect those of
Exprodat Consulting Ltd or Getech Group plc.
sketchnthecity.com
2. GIS and the
evolution of
spatial
architectures
Spatial data
and the
mystery of
location
Frontiers of
geospatial
solutions
Being human in a
digital world
What is a
geospatial
professional?
9. …to sprinkling everything with spatial magicspatial
Spatialise
User
workflows
Data &
Imagery
Analytics
Business
systems
Business
systems
Data &
Imagery
User
workflows
Visual-
isation
Mapping
Geocode Analytics
Analytics
IntegratePro GIS
er
ows Everything
else
Spatial
Analysis
User
workflows
User
workflows
Data &
Imagery
Analytics
Visual-
isation
Mapping
Spatial
Analysis
User
workflows
Spatialise
Business
systems
Data &
Imagery
Analytics Pro G
Everything
else
Data &
Imagery
Analytics Pro G
Business
systems
Everything
else
ss
s
12. “Why use GIS
when you can
annotate JPEGs
in PowerPoint?”
– geologist
13.
14. GIS and the
evolution of
spatial
architectures
Spatial data
and the
mystery of
location
Frontiers of
geospatial
solutions
Being human in a
digital world
What is a
geospatial
professional?
16. To err is human: Lake Paigneur oil rig disaster
Custom Transverse Mercator projection
misinterpreted as UTM coordinates
Mispositioned rig drilled through mineshaft beneath lake
Massive sinkhole
Entire lake drained in minutes!
Louisiana, 1980
17. To err is human: world mispositioning record?
Author’s private collection, 2005
19. GIS and the
evolution of
spatial
architectures
Spatial data
and the
mystery of
location
Frontiers of
geospatial
solutions
Being human in a
digital world
What is a
geospatial
professional?
29. A solution is not about
technology
Proprietary
vs Open Source:
missing the point
“I am your father…”
30. A ‘solution’: Much more than data or tech…
People
(Roles,
Skills)
Use Cases
Work-
flows
Data Tech Training Support
Gover-
nance
Leadership
Engage-
ment
Change
Manage-
ment
38. Keep it simple Atlanta Child Wellbeing Index
Simple postcode map to tackle poverty & create employment
Source: McKinsey
39. The emotional power of ‘story maps’
Interactive multimedia integrated with simple maps
esri.com
40. Are maps still required at all?
Digitisation
Analog to digital
e.g. paper scans
Digitalisation
Improve processes digitally
Digital Transformation
Natively digital
Reimagine processes from scratch
42. Spatial intelligence without maps:
Simple answers to simple questions
Is this place prone to flooding?Has this rental car crossed a border?
YES YES
43. Spatial intelligence without maps:
Geocoding with voice
what3words.com
sheets.slope.vouch
(a.k.a. entrance to
Institute of Geography,
Edinburgh, Scotland)
44. Spatial intelligence without maps:
Logistics: parcel routing & tracking
“Your parcel is arriving today
between 13.00 and 14.00“
46. …will we finally be free to do the cool stuff?
Analytics
Mapping
Graphics
Charts
GIS
47. GIS and the
evolution of
spatial
architectures
Spatial data
and the
mystery of
location
Frontiers of
geospatial
solutions
Being human in a
digital world
What is a
geospatial
professional?
54. Will your digital map
last as long as this?
Babylonian Map of the World (600 BC)
wikipedia.org
55. Cartographic Design Award
FOSS4G Conference 2013
Map by Anna Butler, Wellingtons Travel http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/09/foss4g-map-contest/#slideid-255991
Drawn by hand!
70. GIS and the
evolution of
spatial
architectures
Spatial data
and the
mystery of
location
Frontiers of
spatial data
management
Being human in a
digital world
What is a
geospatial
professional?
80. (Spatial) data
revenue
models
Sponsorship (e.g. R&D grants)
Pays the bills but no more
Pre-Order (e.g. Multi-Client)
Low risk, potential for upside
Reseller / Broker
Needs good terms, high volumes
Marketplace (Platform)
Grow ecosystem, can be win-win
Pay Per Use / As You Go
Needs high volumes or margins
Subscription
Good for repeat revenue
Freemium or Razor Blade Model
Based on loss-leaders
Monopoly / Unique Niche
Congrats, enjoy while it lasts!
83. 21st century
challenges
E.G. CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
• Carbon capture & storage
• Circular economy
• Empowerment of women
• Energy efficiency
• Geothermal
• Marine regeneration
• Microgrids
• Reforestation and soil restoration
• Regenerative agriculture
• Renewable energy
84. The world needs you
to do great things
with spatial data
THANK YOU
EEO-AGI Scotland, University of Edinburgh, 6 December 2019
Views expressed are entirely personal and do not necessarily reflect those
of Exprodat Consulting Ltd or Getech Group plc.